Jess Carter was sent ‘disgusting and appalling’ messages by Nigel De Wale, who was arrested in August, while playing for England at the 2025 European Championship.
Jess Carter helped Lionesses win Euro 2025 (Image: Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
A man who admitted racist abuse of England defender Jess Carter has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Nigel Dewale, 60, of Great Harwood, Lancashire, admitted sending grossly offensive messages over a public communications network. And on Wednesday, he was sentenced to six weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months.
Mr De Waer sent abuse to Mr Carter on social media during the Lionesses’ success at the European Championships in the summer of 2025. Police described the messages as “disturbing and appalling”. Mirror Football has decided not to publish the contents of the message.
British Football Police have launched an investigation into several malicious social media messages sent to Carter, who plays in the US for New York-based club Gotham FC. Detectives traced some of the messages to Mr. Dewaere’s home, and he was arrested in August.
Cheshire Police Chief Constable Mark Roberts, Head of Football Police’s NPCC, said: ‘Everyone is responsible for their own actions and words and posting messages on social media is no different.
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“Mr. DeWale sent hateful and malicious messages thinking he could hide behind his account name. His comments were absolutely abhorrent and caused emotional distress to Ms. Carter and her family. I welcome today’s guilty plea.”
“We are clear that hate crimes online or in person will not be tolerated, and as this incident has shown, we cannot hide behind social media profiles, post vile comments and spread hate.”
Carter played in all six matches for England at the Euros in Switzerland. The 28-year-old opened up about the abuse after the Lionesses lifted the trophy after defeating Spain on penalties.
Jess Carter plays for Gotham FC in the United States (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
“A lot of things don’t really bother me, so it[took me a long time]to feel like I needed to speak up and let people know,” Carter explained. “I felt like I needed a little bit of support and extra consideration from my team that I don’t normally need.
“I’m not saying it’s going to make a huge difference or make a difference, but I want people to realize that it’s wrong. Racism continues to exist and we’re just here to do our job to the best of our ability and hopefully bring success back to England. That’s what we all strive for and do every time we put on the badge.”
“I understand that everyone has their own opinion on how we played. Believe me, no one is more disappointed in some of my performances than I am. But the color of my skin has nothing to do with it.”
